Lonnie Smith

Biography

Dr. Lonnie Smith (July 3, 1942 – September 28, 2021) was an American jazz Hammond B-3 organist celebrated for his genre-blending style and inventive improvisation. Born in Lackawanna, New York, Smith was immersed in music from an early age, performing gospel, jazz, and blues with his family’s vocal group on local radio. His mother was a pivotal influence, introducing him to a wide array of musical traditions. As a teenager, Smith sang in vocal groups and played trumpet before discovering the Hammond organ, an instrument that would become his lifelong passion. Encouraged by local music store owner Art Kubera, Smith taught himself the organ by listening to records by Wild Bill Davis, Bill Doggett, and Jimmy Smith, as well as drawing inspiration from church music.

Smith’s career took off in the early 1960s when he joined guitarist George Benson’s quartet, relocating to New York City and quickly establishing a reputation in Harlem’s jazz scene. He soon recorded with saxophonist Lou Donaldson, contributing to the iconic Blue Note album 'Alligator Boogaloo.' Smith’s own debut as a leader, 'Finger Lickin’ Good,' was released in 1966, followed by a string of influential Blue Note albums such as 'Think!,' 'Turning Point,' and 'Move Your Hand.' Over a career spanning more than five decades, Smith recorded over seventy albums, collaborating with a who’s who of jazz, blues, and R&B artists. Renowned for his soulful, funky approach and his ability to fuse jazz with funk, soul, and even elements of hip-hop, Smith is regarded as a pioneer of the acid jazz and soul jazz movements.

Smith’s legacy is marked by his innovative spirit, technical mastery, and deep influence on generations of musicians. He was named Jazz Journalists Association’s Organist of the Year nine times and was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. His music has been widely sampled by hip-hop artists, and he remained an active performer and recording artist until his passing in 2021, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of jazz organ.

Fun Facts

• Smith performed in a vocal group called 'the Supremes' in the 1950s, predating the Motown group of the same name.
• He was known for wearing a turban on stage, which became part of his signature look.
• Smith’s track 'Spinning Wheel' was famously sampled by A Tribe Called Quest for their songs 'Can I Kick It?' and 'Buggin’ Out.'
• He was awarded the Jazz Journalists Association’s Organist of the Year nine times.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Art Kubera - Local music store owner who encouraged Smith to learn the Hammond organ and provided him access to the instrument. (Early practice and development, not specific albums.) [Late 1950s]
• Jimmy Smith - Major stylistic influence; Smith immersed himself in Jimmy Smith’s records to develop his own organ style. (Influence evident throughout Smith's Blue Note era.) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• George Benson - Smith was the organist in Benson’s quartet; they recorded and performed together extensively. (Albums such as 'It's Uptown' and 'The George Benson Cookbook.') [Mid-1960s]
• Lou Donaldson - Smith recorded with Donaldson, notably on the hit album 'Alligator Boogaloo.' ('Alligator Boogaloo' and other Blue Note sessions.) [Late 1960s]
• Jack McDuff - Early supporter and peer in the jazz organ scene; performed together in Buffalo. (Live performances, not specific albums.) [1960s]
• Joey DeFrancesco - Collaborated and performed together; DeFrancesco is a prominent organist influenced by Smith. (Live performances and tributes.) [2000s-2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Joey DeFrancesco - Cited Smith as a major influence on his approach to jazz organ. (DeFrancesco’s solo recordings and tributes.) [1990s-2020s]
• Ronnie Foster - Organist who has acknowledged Smith’s influence on his playing and career. (Foster’s Blue Note recordings.) [1970s-present]
• Wil Blades - Younger jazz organist inspired by Smith’s style and repertoire. (Blades’ solo work and tributes.) [2000s-present]
• Akiko Tsuruga - Japanese jazz organist who has cited Smith as a mentor and inspiration. (Tsuruga’s solo albums and live performances.) [2010s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Expansions (Expansions)
2. Down The Backstreets (Jazzmatazz Volume 1)
3. Summer Nights (Visions of a New World)
4. Bridge Through Time (Love Is The Answer (Expanded))
5. A Garden Of Peace (Dreams Of Tomorrow)
6. A Chance for Peace (Visions of a New World)
7. Quiet Moments (Exotic Mysteries)
8. Sunset (Visions of a New World)
9. Devika (Goddess) (Visions of a New World)
10. Colors of the Rainbow (Visions of a New World)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia